Face Of a Child

"Have You Ever Seen the Face of a Child"

"Reflections Of A Mother"
I gave you life,
but cannot live it for you.

I can teach you things,
but I cannot make you learn.


I can give you directions,
but I cannot be there to lead you.


I can allow you freedom,
but I cannot account for it.


I can take you to church,
but I cannot make you believe.


I can teach you right from wrong,
but I cannot always decide for you.


I can buy you beautiful clothes,
but I cannot make you beautiful inside.


I can offer you advice,
but I cannot accept it for you.


I can give you love,
but I cannot force it upon you.


I can teach you to share,
but I cannot make you unselfish.


I can teach you respect,
but I cannot force you to show honor.


I can advise you about friends,
but cannot choose them for you.


I can advise you about sex,
but I cannot keep you pure.


I can tell you the facts of life,
but I can't build your reputation.


I can tell you about drinking,
but I can't say "No" for you.


I can warn you about drugs,
but I can't prevent you from using them.


I can tell you about lofty goals,
but I can't achieve them for you.


I can teach you about kindness,
but I can't force you to be gracious


I can warn you about sins,
but I cannot make you moral.


I can love you as a child,
but I cannot place you in God's family.


I can pray for you,
but I cannot make you walk with God.


I can tell you how to live,
but I cannot give you eternal life.

I can love you with unconditional love all of my life
... and I will.

~ Author Unknown ~